Plunger shield for refuse vehicle loading chamber

ABSTRACT

A refuse-collecting apparatus or vehicle includes a supporting frame or chassis having a refuse-receiving receptacle pivotally mounted thereon for tilting movement between a generally horizontal loading position and a tilted dumping position. A loading plunger is provided within a fixed loading chamber on the chassis for the purpose of pushing refuse from the loading chamber through a loading aperture into the refuse-receiving receptacle when the latter is disposed in its generally horizontal loading position. A contractable shield is affixed to the loading plunger and extends outwardly therefrom relative to the refuse-receiving receptacle and is movable with the loading plunger for the purpose of preventing refuse falling into the loading chamber outwardly of the loading plunger. In one arrangement, such a contractable shield includes a flexible curtain and a resiliently extensible spring means attached to the flexible curtain and suitably anchored on the vehicle. In another construction, the contractable shield includes a pair of generally planar plates which are movable between an extended position of minimum overlap and a retracted telescoped configuration.

United States Patent Smith [54] PLUNGER SHIELD FOR REFUSE VEHICLELOADING CHAMBER [72] Inventor: Hamid Eugene Smith, Defiance,

Ohio

[73] Assignee: Smithpac Canada Ltd., Toronto,

Ontario, Canada [22] Filed: Jan. 19, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 3,839

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-in-part of Ser. No.703,214,

Jan. 18, i968, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 591,996, Nov.4, 1966, abandoned.

[52] US. Cl. ..214/83.3 [51] Int. Cl. ..B65f 3/00 [58] Field of Search..214/503, 83.3

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,490,631 1/1970 Smith..214/503 3,252,600 5/1966 Brisson et al. ..214/83.3 X 3,062,394 11/1962Bowles ..214/83.3 3,254,782 6/1966 Mold ..2l4/83.3 X

[ Aug. 29, 1972 Primary ExaminerAlbert J. Makay Attorney-Smart & Biggar[57] ABSTRACT A refuse-collecting apparatus or vehicle includes asupporting frame or chassis having a refuse-receiving receptaclepivotally mounted thereon for tilting movement between a generallyhorizontal loading position and a tilted dumping position. A loadingplunger is provided within a fixed loading chamber on the chassis forthe purpose of pushing refuse from the loading chamber through a loadingaperture into the refusereceiving receptacle when the latter is disposedin its generally horizontal loading position. A contractable shield isafiixed to the loading plunger and extends outwardly therefrom relativeto the refuse-receiving receptacle and is movable with the loadingplunger for the purpose of preventing refuse falling into the loadingchamber outwardly of the loading plunger. In one arrangement, such acontractable shield includes a flexible curtain and a resilientlyextensible spring means attached to the flexible curtain and suitablyanchored on the vehicle. In another construction, the contractableshield includes a pair of generally planar plates which are movablebetween an extended position of minimum overlap and a retractedtelescop'ed configuration.

2 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PNEN'TEDaucze m2 SHEET 1 OF 3 HAROLD EUGE NESMITH y: SWJZW.

PATENTED M1829 m2 SHEET 2 [IF 3 Inventor v HAROLD EUGENE SMITH by:\gwamwm4 PATENTED M1829 m2 SHEET 3 [1F 3 2 2 2 II, M IIII t I I IW m MI:I! IN V HM if?! m 6 a 9 4 3 G 2 I F HAROLD EUGENE SMITH by W.

PLUNGER SHIELD FOR REFUSE VEHICLE LOADING CER This application is acontinuation-impart of my pending application, Ser. No. 703,214 filedJan. 18, 1968, and entitled Refuse Collecting Apparatus, which is inturn a continuation-in-part of application, Ser. No. 591,996 filed Nov.4, 1966 (now abandoned).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates torefuse-collecting apparatus and more particularly to a refuse-collectingvehicle including a refuse-receiving receptacle mounted on a supportingframe or chassis, usefully for movement between a generally horizontalloading position and a tilted dumping position. A refuse-collectingvehicle to which the present invention is applicable also includes aloading chamber mounted on the supporting frame or chassis of thevehicle so as to be disposed adjacent a loading aperture of therefuse-receiving receptacle for the transfer of refuse from the loadingchamber into the refuse-receiving receptacle of the vehicle when suchreceptacle is disposed in its generally horizontal loading position.

In a refuse-collecting vehicle of the aforementioned type, therefuse-receiving receptacle is usefully pivotally mounted on the chassisof the vehicle for tilting movement between a generally horizontalloading position and a tilted dumping position for dumping refusethrough a door or tailgate suitably mounted on the rearward end of therefuse-receiving receptacle. In such a vehicle, the aforementionedloading chamber is disposed on the supporting frame or chassis forwardlyof the forward end of the refuse-receiving receptacle. Since thecarrying capacity of such a vehicle is determined by the capacity of therefuse-receiving receptacle, it is required to make such a receptacle aslarge as possible and consequently to utilize a loading chamber having aminimum length in order to obtain the largest possible carrying capacityfor a chassis of a given size.

To prevent refuse falling into the loading chamber of such a vehicle orapparatus forwardly of the loading plunger therein, i.e. outwardly ofthe loading plunger relative to the refuse-receiving receptacle, it isdesirable to provide a cover or shield secured to the loading plungerand extending outwardly therefrom for conjoint movement therewith. Sincesuch a shield moves conjointly with the loading plunger, space must beprovided either above the chassis of the vehicle or longitudinallyoutwardly thereof, for example, forwardly thereof, to accommodate such ashield when it is disposed in its outermost position.

This space requirement for accommodating such a shield is particularlytroublesome in the case of a refuse-collecting vehicle of theaforementioned type in which the loading chamber is disposed immediatelybehind the drivers cab. When, in such a vehicle, the loading plunger isoperated by means of a hydraulic cylinder, such a cylinder can often beaccommodated beneath or between the seats within the cab structure but,since the afore-mentioned shield will generally be disposed above such acylinder, it will frequently be difficult to adapt the cab structure sothat it will also accommodate the shield when the latter is disposed inits outermost or forwardmost position.

It is accordingly a principal object of the present invention to providea refuse-collecting apparatus or vehicle of the aforementioned type andin which a shield or cover is provided for preventing refuse droppinginto the loading chamber forwardly of the loading plunger duringoperation of that loading plunger within the loading chamber and whichshield or cover can be accommodated without requiring the use of alarger chassis or of a smaller length refuse-receiving receptacle.

It is another object of this invention to provide a refuse-collectingvehicle of the aforementioned type in which a shield or cover can beprovided for preventing refuse dropping into the loading chamber of sucha vehicle forwardly of the loading plunger disposed therein withoutrequiring extensive modification of the drivers cab of the vehicle forthe purpose of accom modating such a shield or cover when the latter isdisposed in its forwardmost position corresponding to the fullyretracted position of the loading plunger.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a refuse-collectingapparatus of the aforementioned type in which the construction of theshield or cover provided therein for the purpose specified has a simpleand reliable construction.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent as thedescription herein proceeds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In its broadest scope, the present inventionprovides a refuse-collecting apparatus comprising a supporting frame; arefuse-receiving receptacle mounted on said supporting frame andincluding a wall with a loading aperture extending therethrough; aloading chamber disposed on said supporting frame so as to be adjacentsaid loading aperture; a loading plunger within said loading chamber forlongitudinal movement therethrough toward and away from said loadingaperture for pushing refuse through said loading aperture into saidrefuse-receiving receptacle; a loading plunger drive mechanismoperatively associated with said loading plunger for effecting saidmovement of said loading plunger toward and away from said loadingaperture; and a contractable shield affixed to said loading plunger,extending outwardly therefrom relative to said refuse-receivingreceptacle and movable with said loading plunger, said shield beingpositioned to prevent refuse from falling behind said loading plungerwhen said loading plunger is moved toward said loading aperture.

In one type of refuse-collecting vehicle or apparatus in accordance withthis invention, the aforementioned contractable shield comprises aflexible cover or curtain affixed to the loading plunger and aresiliently extensible means affixed to such a flexible cover remotelyfrom the loading plunger and adapted transversely to retract theflexible cover on longitudinal movement of the loading plunger away fromthe loading aperture of the refuse-receiving receptacle. With such useof a flexible cover and a resiliently extensible means, the cover can,for example, be accommodated in a generally vertical housing locatedimmediately behind the cab structure of the vehicle. The required heightfor such a housing can be reduced by anchoring an outer or forward edgeof such a flexible cover on the vehicle and disposing the aforementionedresiliently extensible means so that it engages the flexible coverintermediate its forward and rearward edges to retract said coververtically into the vertical housing on retraction of the loadingplunger away from the loading aperture and to enable the flexible coverto straighten or unfold on movement of the loading plunger toward theloading aperture.

In another type of refuse-collecting vehicle or apparatus in accordancewith this invention, the aforementioned contractable shield includes afirst generally planar member affixed to the loading plunger inproximity to an upper edge thereof and extending outwardly therefromrelative to said refuse-receiving receptacle for conjoint generallyhorizontal movement therewith toward and away from the loading apertureof the refuse-receiving receptacle and a second generally planar memberguidedly disposed within the loading chamber of the vehicle forlongitudinal movement therein in a generally horizontal plane toward andaway from said loading aperture and adapted to be engaged by the firstgenerally planar member for conjoint movement therewith toward theloading chamber in minimum overlapping relationship therewith and fortelescoping movement of said first generally planar member relativethereto away from said loading aperture until said first and secondgenerally planar members are disposed in a maximum overlappingdisposition for subsequent conjoint movement of said first and secondgenerally planar members away from said loading aperture.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent as the description herein proceeds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be describedmerely by way of illustration with reference to the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a refuse-collecting vehicle embodying thepresent invention with certain parts shown in phantom outline andillustrating the manner in which a refuse-receiving receptacle of such avehicle can be pivotally tilted between a generally horizontal loadingposition and a tilted dumping position thereof;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged and fragmentary side elevation of therefuse-collecting vehicle of FIG. 1 with certain parts shown in sectionto reveal the structure of one embodiment of a contractable shieldincluding a flexible cover or curtain provided in the vehicle for thepurpose of preventing refuse from falling into a loading chamberforwardly of a loading plunger provided in that chamber for transferringrefuse into the refusereceiving receptacle thereof;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged and fragmentary perspective view of the loadingchamber of the refuse-collecting vehicle of FIGS. 1 and 2 showing ingreater detail the construction and mounting of the contractable shieldincluding the flexible curtain provided therein in accordance with thisinvention;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side elevation of an alternative embodiment of arefuse-collecting vehicle embodying the present invention with certainparts shown in section and others in phantom outline for the purpose ofrevealing the internal structure of the vehicle;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view partly in section of yetanother construction for a contractable shield for use in a loadingchamber of a refuse-collecting vehicle embodying the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view through the loadingchamber of FIG. 5 showing the loading plunger disposed in itsforwardmost or fully retracted position therein;

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view similar to that of FIG.6 but showing the loading plunger disposed in a partially extendedposition thereof during rearward movement of that loading plunger;

FIG 8 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view similar to those ofFIGS. 6 and 7 but showing the loading plunger thereof disposed in itsfully extended or rearwardmost position; and

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view similar to those ofFIGS. 6, 7 and 8 but showing the loading plunger disposed in a partiallyretracted position thereof during forward movement or retraction of thatloading plunger.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring first to FIG. 1,there is shown therein one embodiment of a refuse-collecting apparatusin the form of a refuse-collecting vehicle 10 in accordance with thepresent invention. The vehicle 10 includes a chassis or supporting framegenerally indicated at 11 a cab section generally indicated at 12,wheels 13, a loading chamber section generally indicated at 14 and areceptacle section generally indicated at 16.

Because of the high degree of compaction possible with the apparatusembodying the invention, the overall refuse vehicle can be about thesize and shape of a bakery or milk truck, for example. Basically, inoperation, refuse is dumped into the loading chamber section 14 fromwhich it is pushed into the refuse receptacle section 16 wherein it iscompacted and from which it is subsequently dumped.

The loading section 14 can be open at the top and equipped with loadingdoors 18 on each side, the doors 18 being hinged to and supported bysuitable frame members 20. Latch mechanisms 21 are provided for securingthese doors 18 in their closed positions. A loading chamber 22, formedbelow the doors 18, can be relatively small and with low side waIls toenable a garbage can 23 (FIG. 2) or the like to be dumped thereinto wheneither door 18 is open. A loading plunger assembly generally indicatedat 24 in the loading chamber 22 is operated continually forreciprocating movement in the chamber 22 as indicated by thedouble-headed arrow A to push deposited refuse or garbage into thereceptacle section 16. Because of this continuous operation, the loadingchamber 22 is constantly cleared and can consequently be of small sizeto further the overall compact design of the vehicle.

The receptacle section 16 includes a tiltable refusereceiving receptacle26 which receives the refuse from the loading chamber 22. When therefuse has been pushed into the receptacle 26, a refuse-compactingplunger assembly 28 usefully compacts such refuse against a floor 29 orother stationary surface, independently of the amount of refuse alreadyin the receptacle 26. With the double plunger arrangement illustrated, afive cubic yard receptacle can carry approximately seventy percent ofthe load carried in a sixteen cubic yard truck heretofore known.

The loading plunger assembly 24, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, includes aloading plunger 30 which extends across the width of the loading chamber22 but is only about twodthirds as high as the loading chamber 22 andabout two thirds as high as a discharge opening or loading aperture 32communicating with the interior of the refuse-receiving receptacle 26.The loading plunger 30 is operated by a hydraulic cylinder 34 from whichextends a cylinder rod 36 connected to a central portion of the loadingplunger 30. The cylinder 34 can extend into the cab section 12 of thevehicle between or below seats 38 therein. The stroke of the cylinder 34is of sufficient length to enable the loading plunger 30 to move betweena retracted position in which it is disposed at the forward end of theloading chamber 22, as shown in full lines in FIG. 2, and an extended orrearwardmost position in which it is disposed adjacent the dischargeopening or loading aperture 32 as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 2.

A torque bar assembly omitted from FIG. 1 and generally indicated at 40in FIG. 2 is provided for maintaining the loading plunger 30 generallyperpendicular to the direction in which that plunger is moved. Thetorque bar assembly 40 includes a main transverse torque bar which isalso disposed generally perpendicularly to the direction of travel ofthe loading plunger 30.

The torque bar is rotatably mounted in cars 44 which are attached to andsupported by a suitable framework portion of the cab section 12 of thevehicle 10. A pair of transversely spaced apart torque arms 46 areaffixed to the aforementioned torque bar and extend forwardly therefromgenerally parallel to each other. At their forward ends, the torque arms46 are pivotally connected as at 47 to pivotal connecting links 48 whichare in turn pivotally attached to transversely spaced apart flangeportions 50 of the loading plunger 30. With this arrangement, anytendency for the loading plunger 30 to cock or twist will tend to twistthe aforementioned torque bar which is sufficiently heavy to resist suchtwisting and so maintains the loading plunger 30 at all times generallyperpendicular to its direction of travel.

As already indicated, the particular vehicle illustrated in FIGS. 1 and2 is also provided within the refuse-receiving receptacle 26 with arefuse-compacting plunger assembly 28 which includes a refuse-compactingplunger 52 having a refuse-compacting undersurface 53 which slopesupwardly and rearwardly at a small angle so as to tend to move refuserearwardly into the refuse-receiving receptacle 26 during compaction ofsuch refuse. The compacting plunger 52 is mounted on the lower end of acylinder rod 56 of a hydraulic cylinder 54 for generally verticalreciprocating movement as indicated by the double-headed arrow B acrossthe loading aperture 32 for the purpose of compacting refuse introducedinto the receptacle 26 by the loading plunger 30. In addition to servingto compact refuse disposed within the receptacle 26 below the compactingplunger 52 against the floor 29 of the refuse-receiving receptacle 26,the compacting plunger 52 also provides a useful function of shearingany article of refuse which may, from time to time, extend from withinthe receptacle 26 into the loading chamber 22 above the loading plungerafter such refuse has been pushed toward and partially through theloading aperture 32. For this reason, the vertical extent of the loadingaperture 32 is usefully greater than the height of the end face of theloading plunger 30 as already explained herein.

pinion gears 62 are affixed to and rotate with this shaft and engagegear racks 64 during the entire movement of the refuse-compactingplunger 52 between its extended and retracted positions. Any tendencyfor the refuse-compacting plunger 52 to cock will tend to twist theaforementioned torque shaft which is sufiiciently heavy to resist suchtwisting. If desired, the refuse-compacting plunger 52 can have a coverwall 66 extending upwardly therefrom and telescoping within a fixedcover 68 to prevent the possibility of refuse being jammed upwardly ofthe plunger 52.

The refuse-receiving receptacle 26 has an open rear discharge end fordumping refuse from the receptacle 26. A door or tailgate 104 ispivotally mounted at its top edge by ears 108 from movement between theopen and closed positions shown in FIG. 1. Latch means (not shown) areusefully provided for holding the door 104 in its closed position whileratchet means generally indicated at 114 are usefully provided forholding the door 104 in its open position but, since the structure andmounting of the door 104 and the aforementioned latch means and ratchetmeans 1 14 form no part of the present invention, these members will notbe described herein in greater detail. The door 104 also has a slantedlower portion 110 which causes refuse to move upwardly toward the top ofthe vehicle as it is compacted and pushed rearwardly in the receptacle26. This enables the compacted refuse to fill the receptacle 26 quiteuniformly.

The refuse-receiving receptacle 26 is mounted on the chassis orsupporting frame 11 of the vehicle 10 for pivotal tilting movement abouta pivot generally indicated at 97 between the generally horizontalloading position shown in solid lines in FIG. 1 in which position theaforementioned loading aperture 32 is aligned with the loading chamber22 and a tilted dumping position as shown in broken lines in FIG 1.

In order to prevent the leakage of liquid waste through the gap betweenthe loading chamber 22 and the refuse-receiving receptacle 26, aresiliently compressible seal or gasket (not shown) may suitably beprovided on the rear edge surfaces of the loading chamber 22. Theparticular vehicle 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the accompanyingdrawings also includes a tilting drive mechanism comprising adouble-acting hydraulically operated dumping cylinder 96 pivotallymounted at its lower end in a bracket suitably secured to the chassis11. A cylinder rod 99 extends generally rearwardly and upwardly from thecylinder 96 and is pivotally connected at 101 to the refusereceivingreceptacle 26 forwardly of the aforementioned pivot 97.

It will be understood that, in order to be operative to move therefuse-receiving receptacle 26 between its loading and dumpingpositions, the cylinder rod 99 must be operative to apply an upwardlyand rearwardly directed force to the receptacle 26 when the latter is inits generally horizontal loading position. From FIG. 1, it will be seenthat for this purpose, the cylinder 96 extends rearwardly and upwardlywhen the receptacle 26 is disposed in its loading position.

It will further be understood that the hydraulic cylinder 96 will beprovided with appropriate hoses (not shown) connected to a suitablesource of pressurized hydraulic fluid and that appropriate valves orother controls will be provided for controlling the supply of hydraulicfluid to the cylinder 96 and for controlling the discharge of suchhydraulic fluid therefrom. Similarly, appropriate valves and controlswill be provided for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid to and fromthe cylinders 34 and 54 for operating the loading plunger 30 and therefuse-compacting plunger 52 respectively.

In such operation of the vehicle 10, the loading plunger 30 preferablyoperates continually between its forward and rearward positions toconstantly clear the loading chamber 22, The refuse-compacting plunger52 preferably moves downwardly each time the loading plunger 30 hasmoved to its extended or rearward posi tion.

Since refuse will frequently be dumped into the loading chamber 22 whenthe loading plunger 30 is disposed rearwardly of its fully retractedposition, means are provided in accordance with the invention to preventrefuse from dropping into the loading chamber 22 forwardly of theloading plunger 30 and possibly causing jamming of that plunger. If suchmeans is in the form of a rigid plate secured to the upper edge of theloading plunger 30 and extending forwardly therefrom for conjointmovement therewith toward and away from the loading aperture 32,difficulties arise in accommodating such a plate in the cab section 12of the vehicle without requiring an unduly large increase in the lengthof the vehicle. As hereinbefore indicated, the present invention residesin the provisions of a contractable shield for preventing refuse fromfalling behind, i.e. forwardly, of such a loading plunger. In theparticular vehicle 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, such acontractable shield includes a flexible cover or curtain 80 attachedalong a lower rear edge thereof to an upper edge portion of the loadingplunger 30 by a rod 82 sewn into the rear edge of the flexible curtain80 and received in ears 84 affixed to the upper edge of the loadingplunger 30. It should perhaps be indicated at this juncture thatreferences herein to front" and rear" edges of the curtain 80 areintended to denote the forward and rearward edges of that curtainrelative to the normal forward direction of movement of the vehicle 10.The contractable shield provided in the vehicle 10 also comprises aresiliently extensible means generally indicated at 81 and attached tothe forward end of the flexible curtain 80 to enable the latter to movewith the loading plunger 30 and yet to retract transversely when theloading plunger 30 moves away from the loading aperture 32.

in the particular construction shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the resilientlyextensible means 81 includes an upper rod 86 sewn into the upper edge ofthe flexible curtain 80 and extending beyond the side edges thereof intotracks 88 provided in a suitable framework assembly mounted on thechassis 1 l of the vehicle 10. Wheels or rollers 90 carried by the endsof the rod 86 enable the upper forward edge of the flexible curtain 80to be guided with less friction. Long helical tension springs 92 areconnected to the ends of the upper rod 36 and are suitably anchored attheir opposite ends. The

springs 92 are extended when the loading plunger 30 moves toward theloading aperture 32 and cause the flexible curtain to retracttransversely when the loading plunger 30 moves away from the loadingaper' ture 32. A guide rod 93 is useful in clearing refuse off the topsurface of the flexible curtain 80 when the latter is retracted.

The flexible curtain 80 is positioned approximately as shown in brokenlines in FIG. 2 when the loading plunger 30 is extended toward theloading aperture 32 so that refuse dumped on the curtain 80 will tend tomove or slide toward the refuse-receiving receptacle 26 particularlyduring retraction of the loading plunger 30. Suitable stops (not shown)can be provided to limit the extent of downward movement of the wheelsand the upper rod 86 to prevent the flexible curtain 80 from movingdownwardly too far in the event that very heavy refuse is dumped thereonwhen the loading plunger 30 is extended toward the loading aperture 32.

The flexible curtain 80 is advantageous in that it requires littlemaintenance and has a low initial cost. Replacement can be accomplishedeasily and relatively inexpensively, when necessary. It should be notedthat the aforementioned contractable shield comprises the combination ofthe flexible curtain 80 per se and the resiliently extensible means 81.

A modified refuse-collecting vehicle 126 embodying the present inventionis shown in FIG. 4 of the accompanying drawings, this vehicle 126 beinggenerally similar to the vehicle 10 already described herein. The samelegends are used for identifying the same components on the twovehicles. Briefly, it can be noted that the vehicle 126 includes arefuse-receiving receptacle 26 pivotally mounted as generally indicatedat on a chassis or supporting frame 11 0f the vehicle 126 for movementbetween a generally horizontal loading position and a tilted dumpingposition in much the same manner as hereinbefore described for thevehicle 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2. A door or tailgate 104 is pivotally mountedat 108 on the rear end of the refuse-receiving receptacle 26 and latchmeans generally indicated at 129 are provided for holding the tailgate104 in its closed position.

The vehicle 126 also comprises a vertically reciprocablerefuse-compacting plunger assembly generally indicated at 28 within therefuse-receiving receptacle 26 at the forward end thereof for movementacross a loading aperture provided in the forward end wall thereof foralignment with a loading chamber 22 when the refuse-receiving receptacle26 is disposed in its generally horizontal loading position. Manuallyreleasable latch means 142 are provided for holding the refuse-receivingreceptacle 26 in its generally horizontal loading position as actuallyshown in FIG. 4.

A loading plunger 30 is provided within the loading chamber 22 forhorizontal longitudinal reciprocation therein for pushing refuse throughthe loading aperture into the refuse-receiving receptacle 26. A torquebar system generally indicated at 141 is provided to prevent twisting ofthe loading plunger 30.

As was the case for the vehicle 10 of FIGS. 1 to 3, a contractableshield is provided in the vehicle 126 for preventing refuse from fallinginto the loading chamber 22 thereof forwardly of the loading plunger 30.This contractable shield includes a flexible cover or curtain 128 whichis affixed along its rearward lower edge in any suitable manner to theupper edge of the loading plunger 30. From the loading plunger 30, theflexible curtain 128 extends over a transversely disposed roller 130 andis suitably affixed at its lower forward edge to a frame member 140. Theroller 130 is rotatably carried by a pair of end plates 134 which aresupported by helical tension springs 136 and adjustable hangers 138 in avertical housing 132. With this arrangement, the overall height of thespace required for housing the flexible cover 128 can be considerablyreduced.

Referring now to FIGS. to 9 of the accompanying drawings, the structureand operation of another embodiment illustrated therein for acontractable shield for use in a refuse-collecting apparatus or vehiclein accordance with the present invention will now be described. It willbe appreciated that the arrangement now to be described with referenceto FIGS. 5 to 9 can be utilized in the vehicles shown in FIGS. 1 to 4and in modified vehicles and other refuse-collecting apparatus.

From FIG. 5, it will be seen that a loading plunger 230 illustratedtherein is disposed in a loading chamber generally indicated at 222 forlongitudinal reciprocating movement as indicated by the arrows A and A(FIGS. 6 to 9) under the control of a hydraulic cylinder 234 having acylinder rod 236 which extends longitudinally rearwardly therefrom andis secured in any appropriate manner to the loading plunger 230.

Referring more particularly to FIG 5, it will be seen that the loadingplunger 230 has a forwardly extending and generally horizontal planarmember 238 integrally formed therewith along its upper edge for conjointmovement therewith. In general proximity to its forward (i.e. left-hand)edge, the planar member 238 is provided with transversely spaced apartand upstanding abutment members or stops 240, one of which is visible inFIG. 5.

A second generally horizontal planar member 242 has transverselyextending edge flanges 244 which are freely supported in longitudinallyextending guideways 246 provided on inner surfaces of side walls 248 ofthe loading chamber 222. Stops 250 are provided at the rearward ends ofthe guideways 246 to restrict rearward movement of the planar member 242rearwardly beyond the position actually shown in FIG. 8.

Along each of its forward and rearward edges, the second generallyhorizontal planar member 242 is integrally formed with downwardlyextending flanges 258 and 260 respectively which flanges function asabutment members by engagement with the aforementioned stops 240 in amanner yet to be described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 6to 9 of the accompanying drawings.

In the particular construction illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 9, a fixedsloping shield 262 is secured within the loading chamber 222 at theforward end thereof above the second planar member 242. If desired,wiping seals may be provided between the planar members 238 and 242 andbetween the sloping shield 262 and the second planar member 242. Duringits longitudinal movement in the loading chamber 222, the loadingplunger 230 is guided by a longitudinally extending and upstandinggenerally rectangular section guide bar 252 fixed to a floor 254 of theloading chamber 222 and slidingly Ill received within a correspondingrecess 256 provided, for this purpose, in the loading plunger 230.Additional guidance for the loading plunger 230 is provided by guideways266 mounted on inner surfaces of the side walls 248 of the loadingchamber 222 and received within corresponding recesses 270 formed in theloading plunger 230.

The manner of operation of the structure illustrated in FIG. 5 will nowbe described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9 from which certainstructural components have been omitted for the sake of clarity.Assuming that the loading plunger 230 is disposed in its fully retractedor forwardmost position as actually shown in FIG. 6, flow of hydraulicfluid to the forward end of the cylinder 234 will cause rearwardextension of the loading plunger 230. Such rearward movement of theloading plunger 230 will continue essentially independently of the upperplanar member 242 until the loading plunger 230 reaches the positionactually shown in FIG. 7. During this initial movement of the loadingplunger 230 between the positions shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the upstandingabutment members or stops 240 move rearwardly between the downwardlyprojecting flanges 258 and 260 of the second planar member 242.

On the continued flow of hydraulic fluid to the forward end of thecylinder 234, rearward extension of the loading plunger 230 from theposition shown in FIG. 7 to that shown in FIG. 8 occurs with abutment ofthe upstanding stops 240 against the rearward flange 260 of the secondplanar member 242 causing the latter to be moved in the guideways 246rearwardly conjointly with the loading plunger 230.

When the loading plunger 230 reaches its rearwardmost or fully extendedposition as shown in FIG 8, control means (not shown) are operative tocause the flow of hydraulic fluid to the rearward end of the cylinder234 to cause forward retraction of the loading plunger 230. Such forwardretraction of the loading plunger 230 proceeds essentially independentlyof the second planar member 242 with the upstanding stops 240 movingforwardly between the flanges 260 and 258 of the second planar member242 until the stops 240 abut the forward flange 258 as actuallyillustrated in FIG. 9. Further flow of hydraulic fluid to the rearwardend of the cylinder 234 causes conjoint forward retraction of theloading plunger 230 and the second planar member 242 from the positionshown in FIG. 9 to that shown in FIG. 6, at which stage the operatingcycle already described herein is repeated.

Although the loading plunger construction shown in FIG. 5 has beendescribed with reference to the use of two generally horizontal andlongitudinally reciprocating planar members, namely planar members 238and 242, it will be appreciated that, if required, a larger number ofsuch planar members may be used in a structure in accordance with thepresent invention.

What I claim is:

l. A refuse-collecting apparatus comprising:

a supporting frame;

a refuse-receiving receptacle mounted on said supporting frame andincluding a wall with a loading aperture extending therethrough;

a loading chamber disposed on said supporting frame so as to be adjacentsaid loading aperture;

a loading plunger within said loading chamber for longitudinal movementtherethrough toward and away from said loading aperture for pushingrefuse through said loading aperture into said refusereceivingreceptacle;

a loading plunger drive mechanism operatively associated with saidloading plunger for effecting said movement of said loading plungertoward and away from said loading aperture;

a contractable shield affixed to said loading plunger, extendingoutwardly therefrom relative to said refuse-receiving receptacle andmovable with said loading plunger, said shield being flexible along itslength whereby it can be flexed progressively along its length, saidshield being positioned to prevent refuse from falling behind saidloading plunger when said loading plunger is moved toward said loadingaperture;

a guide and scraper element for said shield extending across saidloading chamber in the vicinity of the extreme displacement of saidplunger from said loading aperture; and

yieldable tensioning means coupled to said shield and arranged to drawsaid shield about said guide and scraper element along a linear pathgenerally normal to the path of approach of said shield to said guideand scraper element from said loading plunger whereby said shield isguided and scraped during movement of said loading plunger to permitextension and contraction of said shield as said plunger is moved towardand away from said loading aperture.

2. A combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein said yieldabletensioning means comprises a rod; means securing said flexible shield tosaid rod; a guide extending generally normal to the path of longitudinalmovement of said loading plunger and coupled to said loading chamber inthe vicinity of the extreme displacement of said plunger from saidloading aperture; means coupling said rod to said guide for guidedmovement and biasing means yieldably urging said rod along said guide ina direction away from said plunger.

1. A refuse-collecting apparatus comprising: a supporting frame; arefuse-receiving receptacle mounted on said supporting frame andincluding a wall with a loading aperture extending therethrough; aloading chamber disposed on said supporting frame so as to be adjacentsaid loading aperture; a loading plunger within said loading chamber forlongitudinal movement therethrough toward and away from said loadingaperture for pushing refuse through said loading aperture into saidrefuse-receiving receptacle; a loading plunger drive mechanismoperatively associated with said loading plunger for effecting saidmovement of said loading plunger toward and away from said loadingaperture; a contractable shield affixed to said loading plunger,extending outwardly therefrom relative to said refuse-receivingreceptacle and movable with said loading plunger, said shield beingflexible along its length whereby it can be flexed progressively alongits length, said shield being positioned to prevent refuse from fallingbehind said loading plunger when said loading plunger is moved towardsaid loading aperture; a guide and scraper element for said shieldextending across said loading chamber in the vicInity of the extremedisplacement of said plunger from said loading aperture; and yieldabletensioning means coupled to said shield and arranged to draw said shieldabout said guide and scraper element along a linear path generallynormal to the path of approach of said shield to said guide and scraperelement from said loading plunger whereby said shield is guided andscraped during movement of said loading plunger to permit extension andcontraction of said shield as said plunger is moved toward and away fromsaid loading aperture.
 2. A combination in accordance with claim 1wherein said yieldable tensioning means comprises a rod; means securingsaid flexible shield to said rod; a guide extending generally normal tothe path of longitudinal movement of said loading plunger and coupled tosaid loading chamber in the vicinity of the extreme displacement of saidplunger from said loading aperture; means coupling said rod to saidguide for guided movement and biasing means yieldably urging said rodalong said guide in a direction away from said plunger.